Music Meets Fashion Issue August September 2016

. ?If you feel like it?s a
gift that you?re called
to do, don?t let
anything take that
away from you?
-Jerry Crayton
LetsTalk Music
challenges,
Jerry Crayton chats with us about his life and passion
for music.By:Shannon Rawley
A
love for music began for artist Jerry Crayton as
young as five years old when his great-grandmother
decided to teach him how to play an old-fashioned
pump organ. Since then, Crayton?s love for music
has flourished over the years. Growing up in the
small town of Mission, North Carolina, he was
known for singing in his church's choir and even
began writing music closer to his teenage years. He
was raised by musicians which played a part in
Crayton?s appreciation for music and gave him a
different perspective on the life of an artist. When it
comes to his work, it?s hard to put Crayton?s musical
style in just one category. His genre of music ranges
from an 80?s themed sound to more of a reggae vibe
giving his fans a unique variety not seen in many
artist. Crayton works to make sure that the music he
creates is uplifting and inspirational for his listeners.
?There?s so much negativity coming out on the TV?s
and radios, I want whatever I put out to be positive,?
said Crayton when describing his music.
music has been one thing in his life that
never fails. Crayton?s latest album was named after his
song, ?Swimming in a Sea of Violets?. Made in as little as a
half an hour, this unique song is one that stood out to
both Crayton and his team and was worthy of becoming
the title track for his new album. Like other work that he?s
put out before, this album will offer a different sound and
add a bit of variety to Crayton?s music.
When asked what advice he?d give to anyone pursuing a
career in music, he stressed how important it is to never
give up. ?If you feel like it?s a gift that you?re called to do,
don?t let anything take that away from you? said Crayton.
After having experience on tour and making music in
cities like Nashville, Tennessee, he knows how
discouraging things can get, especially in the music
industry.
Jerry will have a new album in September available on
iTunes,Spotify, and Amazon. Look for videos and release
party coming soon!
Photographer: Antoinne Duane Jones
52
But there was a time where things didn?t look so
positive for the musician. After being born
premature, doctors didn?t think that he?d make it out
of the hospital. His mother began to pray ?God if
you let me have him, I?ll give him back to you?. After
much prayer and faith, Crayton soon returned to
good health and ever since has dedicated his talent
to spreading positivity. ?I believe people are born
with gifts, and we all have different types of gifts,?
said Crayton when explaining his future plans with
music. Ever since he was born, Jerry Crayton knew
that he had a special purpose and he later
discovered that it was making music. Despite life?s